The News: Qualcomm and Renault Group extend their partnership to develop a centralized platform architecture for software-defined vehicles powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis. The next generation vehicles will offer connectivity, a digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Read the full Press Release from Qualcomm.
Qualcomm and Renault Group Extend Partnership to Create Software-Defined Vehicles of the Future
Analyst Take: It’s great to see Qualcomm and Renault Group extend their partnership to continue to develop software-defined vehicles, or what will likely quickly become the vehicles of the future.
From a partnership perspective, this deal makes a lot of sense. Renault Group and Qualcomm have been working together since 2018, and Renault is already using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis in certain systems. It seems the two companies feel confident in each other’s capabilities and relationship overall. This new announcement will focus on a few key developments:
- Qualcomm (or its affiliates) will invest in Renault’s dedicated electric and software business Ampere
- The two companies will co-create high-performance compute platforms based on the existing Snapdragon Digital Chassis for Renault’s SDVs
- The new SDV platforms will be available starting in 2026 and will be extended to Qualcomm’s automotive EOM partners (i.e. other vehicle manufacturers will be able to use the design)
The SDV platform envisioned by the two companies will feature a digital Android cockpit, full connectivity, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like cameras, radar and sensors, among other advancements. The companies say the on-board experience will be more personal and immersive, while Qualcomm’s expertise in processors will keep development costs low.
A Wider Look at SDVs
SDVs are the future of the auto industry. Just a few weeks ago at the Detroit Auto Show, leaders from throughout the industry got together to discuss just this issue: in the near future, cars will no longer be defined by hardware (bodies, engines, RPMs) but instead by their software capabilities (electric, cloud-connected, computerized). GM calls SDVs the next “digital assistant,” which is a full-on role reversal from the vehicles of old. ADAS especially relies on tech to keep sensors working together to keep drivers safe. Beyond that, SDVs can work with third-party services like road tolls, in-car entertainment, mapping, gas payment, etc. to make life easier for drivers. And of course, the future of autonomous driving will rely on a strong SDV platform.
Renault and Qualcomm Driving Forward
The expanded partnership continues to build on the trend that will enable vehicles to be built on next-gen architecture, powered by advanced semiconductors, and modular in order to enable OEMs to deliver continuous software driven improvements to vehicle systems. Notably, this is just one of many partnerships that Qualcomm has successfully expanded in the last year — a strong move in a crowded marketplace. This also continues to build out their expansive automotive business, a key pillar of business for CEO Cristiano Amon who has been steadfast that the company must diversify beyond handsets. Under the Leadership of Nakul Duggal, we have seen Qualcomm automotive continue to push toward these ambitions.
While these vehicles won’t be ready until 2026, which is only 4 years now, I will be watching to see how the development happens, and if other OEMs jump on the SDV trend
Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum Research as a whole.
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Image Credit: Qualcomm
Author Information
Daniel is the CEO of The Futurum Group. Living his life at the intersection of people and technology, Daniel works with the world’s largest technology brands exploring Digital Transformation and how it is influencing the enterprise.
From the leading edge of AI to global technology policy, Daniel makes the connections between business, people and tech that are required for companies to benefit most from their technology investments. Daniel is a top 5 globally ranked industry analyst and his ideas are regularly cited or shared in television appearances by CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal and hundreds of other sites around the world.
A 7x Best-Selling Author including his most recent book “Human/Machine.” Daniel is also a Forbes and MarketWatch (Dow Jones) contributor.
An MBA and Former Graduate Adjunct Faculty, Daniel is an Austin Texas transplant after 40 years in Chicago. His speaking takes him around the world each year as he shares his vision of the role technology will play in our future.
